How Residents of Almaty Perceive Air Quality and Its Impact on Health

Author(s)	Arina Son
Country	Kazakhstan
Abstract	Almaty’s air pollution routinely exceeds guidelines; on some days, particulate exposure approximates five–six cigarettes. Following the city’s 2025 Rules for the Protection of Atmospheric Air (with major transport curbs due in 2028), this paper examines how residents perceive health risks and policy change. Using 11 semi-structured interviews across districts, transcribed and thematically coded, three main findings are reported: (1) consistent links between polluted air and acute symptoms (congestion, allergies, headaches, cough, skin irritation), with relief reported outside Almaty; (2) strong temporal/spatial patterns worst in winter and evenings, cleaner in mornings and higher-elevation south; and (3) convergent policy preferences: stricter emissions enforcement, expanded/electrified public transport (including metro extensions), demand management for high-emitting vehicles, car-free pilots, and civic eco-actions. Results guide targeted seasonal/diurnal measures and risk communication; limitations include small, non-representative sampling and reliance on self-reports.
Keywords	Almaty , health , citizens , residents , air pollution , air quality , respiratory diseases , contaminated , dirty , vehicles .
Field	Sociology > Health
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 5, September-October 2025
Published On	2025-10-28
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i05.59014

About IJFMR Fees & Payment Current Issue Publication Archive	Submit Research Paper Track Submission Status Publication Guidelines Publication Ethics Peer Review & Plagiarism	Join as a Reviewer Editors & Reviewers Reviewer Referral Program Get Reviewer Membership Certi.	Website/Journal Policies Usage Policy Content Policies Privacy Policy

Contact Us		+91-9687-828-838	editor@ijfmr.com

International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research